The reason why both Mercy Health hospitals, St. Elizabeth hospitals in Boardman and Youngstown, were placed on lockdown Sunday is becoming more clear.

That lockdown has since been lifted. Mercy Health says that patients and workers were the only people allowed to enter.

The cause for the events at the two hospitals has not been fully revealed, but Mercy health said it was done out of an abundance of caution regarding incidents of a former employee.

It is also unclear what time the lockdown occurred, but Mercy Health confirmed that there was in fact temporarily restricted access sometime Sunday. 

Mercy Health released the following statement Monday:

"Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown and Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Boardman was placed on lockdown, which is a routine hospital policy and procedure, out of an abundance of caution after conferring with local law enforcement regarding incidents involving a former employee. The safety, security, and well-being of our patients, their families and our employees is our top priority. Mercy Health does not comment on personnel matters."

When 21 News reached out to Boardman Police, a dispatcher said that Mercy Health's police department was handling the situation. Youngstown Police and the Mahoning County Sheriff's office were also contacted but have not responded to information requests.

 

After circling back to Mercy Health Police Department, a private company, dispatchers said that they are not allowed to speak on the matter.

This is a developing situation and 21 News is working to learn more.